Quick hits for June 20: Interesting reads for counselors from around the Internet

Researchers from the University of Kansas have found that single mothers who participate in daily playtime with their children – whether by reading stories or playing games – have lower stress levels. These daily interactions also lead to higher levels of engagement with their kids in the future, say researchers.

A Penn State University Park study revealed that new moms who read and write blogs might feel less alone. The researchers found a correlation between a strong connection to family and friends and increased feelings of social support in the blogging mothers, which led to higher marital satisfaction, less conflict in their marriages and less parenting stress.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that young children investigated for maltreatment by child welfare agencies have a higher prevalence of mental health problems. In addition, very few receive treatment for these problems.

Two new studies found living alone or feeling lonely can increase one’s chances of disability as well as lead to early death.

A new study on prescription drug abuse among U.S. college students found that non-medical use of drugs such as painkillers, stimulants, sedatives and antidepressants is linked to depression and suicidal thoughts. The findings were especially strong among female college students who reported abusing painkillers.